Terra Drone Corporation, a drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology company based in Japan, has announced a significant investment in Aloft Technologies, a key player in the development of Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) systems in the United States. This strategic investment positions Terra Drone as the largest shareholder of Aloft and marks an expansion in the United States.

With this partnership, Aloft becomes an affiliated company of Terra Drone, further extending Terra Drone’s influence in the UTM ecosystem worldwide. The collaboration aligns with Terra Drone’s mission to shape a future where drones and AAMs seamlessly integrate into daily life, requiring robust UTM systems for safe and efficient operations. Yuki Ueno, Terra Drone’s executive officer responsible for UTM business, has been appointed to Aloft’s board of directors, signifying a deepened collaboration between the two entities.

Toru Tokushige, Founder and CEO of Terra Drone, highlighted the critical role of UTM systems in the evolving landscape of drones and AAMs, stressing the importance of this partnership in driving global UTM development. Terra Drone’s ambition to expand its presence in the U.S. market is bolstered by this investment, leveraging Aloft’s established leadership in airspace authorizations and drone fleet management.

Jon Hegranes, Founder and CEO of Aloft, emphasized the significance of integrating UTM systems for the growth and sustainability of drone operations worldwide. This collaboration with Terra Drone is poised to standardize operational practices and employ advanced technology to enhance drone flight operations across the globe.

Aloft, founded in 2015, has established itself as a leading provider of FAA-approved UAS services, managing over 84% of all airspace authorizations as of October 2022. With backing from industry giants like Boeing and Travelers Insurance, Aloft has surpassed 1 million Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) requests, showcasing its pivotal role in the U.S. drone and UAM ecosystem.

This partnership between Terra Drone and Aloft, along with Terra Drone’s subsidiary Unifly, signifies a strategic effort to develop a comprehensive global UTM system, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of drone and AAM operations worldwide.